We’ve all heard about the dangers of too much screen time, but how much is social media really impacting our health? My blogging brother, an alliteration aficionado, experienced this firsthand. During the economic downturn, he became obsessed with his online rants, fueling his writing with frequent fridge raids. Over time, he noticed his body expanding as his fingers and mind stayed sharp, proving that “blogger belly” is indeed real.
Then, a failed modem forced him into a nearly two-year digital detox. He quit the internet cold turkey, disabled his website, and refused to engage in instant communication. Instead of emails, he responded with handwritten letters, much to my frustration.
Meanwhile, I had my own digital dilemma—Yelp. If you’re unfamiliar, Yelp is a social network centered around food. My reviews, mainly focused on farmers’ markets and grocery stores, got moderate traction. But restaurant reviews? Those exploded in popularity. The accompanying mouthwatering food photos made it nearly impossible to resist late-night cravings. Many times, after reading reviews, I found myself recreating indulgent dishes—like a DIY maple-bacon-peanut-butter doughnut using Ezekiel® bread, Trader Joe’s peanut butter, Wellshire® bacon bits, and honey. Not quite the same, but still tempting.
Confession time: My first year on Yelp, my health took a hit—not from eating out but from sitting too much. Between catching up with nearly 1,000 online friends, scrolling late at night, and making unnecessary snack runs, I realized I needed a reset.
Finding Balance in a Digital World
- Use fitness and wellness apps to track activity and make healthier choices.
- Set boundaries—limit screen time and take breaks to move around.
- Be mindful of social media triggers—is it making you hungry, anxious, or restless?
- Prioritize sleep over endless scrolling and digital distractions.
Yesterday, despite an active day—training private clients, teaching a HIIT class, cooking, and cleaning—I still managed to sit for 15 hours (three of those in my car!). That realization was eye-opening.
The good news? My brother is back online—this time, using a stand-up desk and practicing moderation. I’ve also learned to strike a balance, staying engaged while prioritizing my well-being. Social media isn’t inherently bad, but how we interact with it makes all the difference.
